Stephen Henderson: Detroit faces a choice between acceptance of reality and suicidal defiance | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
Swallow your pride -- or choke on it.
That's what Detroit is down to in its operatic arc of financial tragedy: a final choice between acceptance of reality and suicidal defiance.
The city's elected officials can let their rogue corporation counsel, Krystal Crittendon, force payless paydays or worse with her quixotically loopy attempt to undo the consent agreement with the state to better manage Detroit's finances.
Or they can act like grown-ups and accept, with just a modicum of humility, that it is their responsibility to determine Detroit's fate, not Crittendon's.
They can order her to stand down, so that other agreements between the city and state (including one worth an immediate $80 million to the city) can go forward.
You'd think there would be no question about the right choice.
But this is Detroit.
So there was City Council President Charles Pugh on Friday, saying he's fine with Crittendon going ahead with her challenge to the consent agreement and with waiting until a judge rules.
As for Chief Financial Officer Jack Martin's prognosis that the city could bounce paychecks as early as this week?
Pugh said it's likely a bluff, an overstatement of the city's condition.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Saturday, June 09, 2012
Muskegon RockStock gets county's OK to use Heritage Landing
Muskegon RockStock gets county's OK to use Heritage Landing | MLive.com
Muskegon RockStock, which has been held since 2008 as a one-day event in Hackley Park, is scheduled for the night of June 29 and all day June 30 at Heritage Landing.
The ticket price is $5 per day. Tickets will be on sale at all Muskegon-area Pizza Hut restaurants by June 8.
The reservation fee for use of Heritage Landing is $1,000, $500 for each day of the festival. Brandon Baskin, RockStock organizer, also must maintain comprehensive general liability insurance in the minimum amount of $1 million and name the county as additional insured.
In addition, the agreement calls for Baskin to pay the county 5 percent of the total admission ticket charges collected for the event.
Muskegon RockStock, which has been held since 2008 as a one-day event in Hackley Park, is scheduled for the night of June 29 and all day June 30 at Heritage Landing.
The ticket price is $5 per day. Tickets will be on sale at all Muskegon-area Pizza Hut restaurants by June 8.
The reservation fee for use of Heritage Landing is $1,000, $500 for each day of the festival. Brandon Baskin, RockStock organizer, also must maintain comprehensive general liability insurance in the minimum amount of $1 million and name the county as additional insured.
In addition, the agreement calls for Baskin to pay the county 5 percent of the total admission ticket charges collected for the event.
Children's Fountain in Alcoa Celebration Square opens for the season
Children's Fountain in Alcoa Celebration Square opens for the season (video) | MLive.com
The children's fountain at the Alcoa Celebration Square in downtown Muskegon opened for season Friday at noon as part of the Love Muskegon Week.
The Community Foundation for Muskegon County has organized a series of activities to celebrate Love Muskegon Week with the return of national urban promoters Peter Kageyama and Michelle Royal for meetings and workshops.
The children's fountain at the Alcoa Celebration Square in downtown Muskegon opened for season Friday at noon as part of the Love Muskegon Week.
The Community Foundation for Muskegon County has organized a series of activities to celebrate Love Muskegon Week with the return of national urban promoters Peter Kageyama and Michelle Royal for meetings and workshops.
Fruitport school board rejects privatizing custodians
Fruitport school board rejects privatizing custodians | MLive.com
The board on a 6-1 vote Thursday rejected a proposal from administrators calling for the district to privatize custodial services, which would have saved the district $350,000.
Instead, the board agreed to accept concessions from the custodial group that the superintendent said will save the district $110,000.
The board on a 6-1 vote Thursday rejected a proposal from administrators calling for the district to privatize custodial services, which would have saved the district $350,000.
Instead, the board agreed to accept concessions from the custodial group that the superintendent said will save the district $110,000.
Horses take to Muskegon's Pere Marquette Beach for first-ever beach polo match
Horses take to Muskegon's Pere Marquette Beach for first-ever beach polo match | MLive.com
Teams of polo players on horseback took part in Michigan's first-ever beach polo match to raise money for Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids.
Teams of polo players on horseback took part in Michigan's first-ever beach polo match to raise money for Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids.
Musk school board passes sex ed program
Musk school board passes sex ed program | WOOD TV8
But school officials said that the plan was proactive and necessary, citing a 2009 survey done in Muskegon (pdf) that showed 8.4% of students said they had engaged in sexual intercourse before the age of 13.
They also noted the county's pregnancy rate, which is higher than the state's.
But school officials said that the plan was proactive and necessary, citing a 2009 survey done in Muskegon (pdf) that showed 8.4% of students said they had engaged in sexual intercourse before the age of 13.
They also noted the county's pregnancy rate, which is higher than the state's.
No Charges In 7-Eleven Melee Caught On Video
No Charges In 7-Eleven Melee Caught On Video | Baltimore News | WBAL Radio 1090 AM
It was caught on video, but Baltimore City State's Attorney Gregg Bernstein has decided not to file charges against any of the 40 teenagers who were seen on video robbing a 7-Eleven and assaulting the store owner.
The incident took place on the afternoon of May 23 at the 7-Eleven on Light Street, when the store was was offering a "Free Slurpee" promotion.
The teens were spotted on surveillance cameras in the store.
Police say the teens were all wearing school uniforms, and were spotted ransacking the store shelves.
The store owner reported the teens took an envelope containing $6,600 in cash.
It was caught on video, but Baltimore City State's Attorney Gregg Bernstein has decided not to file charges against any of the 40 teenagers who were seen on video robbing a 7-Eleven and assaulting the store owner.
The incident took place on the afternoon of May 23 at the 7-Eleven on Light Street, when the store was was offering a "Free Slurpee" promotion.
The teens were spotted on surveillance cameras in the store.
Police say the teens were all wearing school uniforms, and were spotted ransacking the store shelves.
The store owner reported the teens took an envelope containing $6,600 in cash.
You’re Not Special
You’re Not Special - BostonHerald.com
afternoon, the venue. Normally, I avoid cliches like the plague, wouldn’t touch them with a ten-foot pole, but here we are on a literal level playing field. That matters. That says something. And your ceremonial costume... shapeless, uniform, one-size-fits-all. Whether male or female, tall or short, scholar or slacker, spray-tanned prom queen or intergalactic X-Box assassin, each of you is dressed, you’ll notice, exactly the same. And your diploma... but for your name, exactly the same.
All of this is as it should be, because none of you is special.
You are not special. You are not exceptional.
Contrary to what your u9 soccer trophy suggests, your glowing seventh grade report card, despite every assurance of a certain corpulent purple dinosaur, that nice Mister Rogers and your batty Aunt Sylvia, no matter how often your maternal caped crusader has swooped in to save you... you’re nothing special.
Yes, you’ve been pampered, cosseted, doted upon, helmeted, bubble-wrapped. Yes, capable adults with other things to do have held you, kissed you, fed you, wiped your mouth, wiped your bottom, trained you, taught you, tutored you, coached you, listened to you, counseled you, encouraged you, consoled you and encouraged you again. You’ve been nudged, cajoled, wheedled and implored. You’ve been feted and fawned over and called sweetie pie. Yes, you have. And, certainly, we’ve been to your games, your plays, your recitals, your science fairs. Absolutely, smiles ignite when you walk into a room, and hundreds gasp with delight at your every tweet. Why, maybe you’ve even had your picture in the Townsman! And now you’ve conquered high school... and, indisputably, here we all have gathered for you, the pride and joy of this fine community, the first to emerge from that magnificent new building...
But do not get the idea you’re anything special. Because you’re not.
afternoon, the venue. Normally, I avoid cliches like the plague, wouldn’t touch them with a ten-foot pole, but here we are on a literal level playing field. That matters. That says something. And your ceremonial costume... shapeless, uniform, one-size-fits-all. Whether male or female, tall or short, scholar or slacker, spray-tanned prom queen or intergalactic X-Box assassin, each of you is dressed, you’ll notice, exactly the same. And your diploma... but for your name, exactly the same.
All of this is as it should be, because none of you is special.
You are not special. You are not exceptional.
Contrary to what your u9 soccer trophy suggests, your glowing seventh grade report card, despite every assurance of a certain corpulent purple dinosaur, that nice Mister Rogers and your batty Aunt Sylvia, no matter how often your maternal caped crusader has swooped in to save you... you’re nothing special.
Yes, you’ve been pampered, cosseted, doted upon, helmeted, bubble-wrapped. Yes, capable adults with other things to do have held you, kissed you, fed you, wiped your mouth, wiped your bottom, trained you, taught you, tutored you, coached you, listened to you, counseled you, encouraged you, consoled you and encouraged you again. You’ve been nudged, cajoled, wheedled and implored. You’ve been feted and fawned over and called sweetie pie. Yes, you have. And, certainly, we’ve been to your games, your plays, your recitals, your science fairs. Absolutely, smiles ignite when you walk into a room, and hundreds gasp with delight at your every tweet. Why, maybe you’ve even had your picture in the Townsman! And now you’ve conquered high school... and, indisputably, here we all have gathered for you, the pride and joy of this fine community, the first to emerge from that magnificent new building...
But do not get the idea you’re anything special. Because you’re not.
Detroit boaters left high, dry as Erma Henderson Marina remains closed for foreseeable future
Detroit boaters left high, dry as Erma Henderson Marina remains closed for foreseeable future MLive.com
Council sided with local boaters who have been complaining for months about the process, arguing that the mayor's office hand-selected Hume despite a worthy proposal from a black-owned business group with close ties to the marina, believed to be one the first racially-integrated docks in the nation.
Council sided with local boaters who have been complaining for months about the process, arguing that the mayor's office hand-selected Hume despite a worthy proposal from a black-owned business group with close ties to the marina, believed to be one the first racially-integrated docks in the nation.
Gov. Snyder 'will stay focused' on his job in light of second failed recall attempt
Gov. Snyder 'will stay focused' on his job in light of second failed recall attempt | MLive.com
Michigan Rising leaders are ending their recall attempt today, saying they fell “well short” of their goal of collecting 200,000 petition signatures by June 1.
Michigan Rising leaders are ending their recall attempt today, saying they fell “well short” of their goal of collecting 200,000 petition signatures by June 1.
Transportation Secretary LaHood releases plan to combat distracted driving 'epidemic'
Transportation Secretary LaHood releases plan to combat distracted driving 'epidemic' | MLive.com
The "Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving" includes the government investing $2.4 million in pilot projects in California and Delaware to crack down on those who text or use their cell phones while driving and challenges the auto industry to adopt new and future guidelines for technology to reduce the potential for distraction on devices built or brought into vehicles.
"Distracted driving is an epidemic.
While we've made progress in the past three years by raising awareness about this risky behavior, the simple fact is people are continuing to be killed and injured – and we can put an end to it," LaHood said in a release.
The "Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving" includes the government investing $2.4 million in pilot projects in California and Delaware to crack down on those who text or use their cell phones while driving and challenges the auto industry to adopt new and future guidelines for technology to reduce the potential for distraction on devices built or brought into vehicles.
"Distracted driving is an epidemic.
While we've made progress in the past three years by raising awareness about this risky behavior, the simple fact is people are continuing to be killed and injured – and we can put an end to it," LaHood said in a release.
Michigan House Republicans expand upon income tax relief plan
Michigan House Republicans expand upon income tax relief plan | MLive.com
A new measure detailed Thursday would provide longer-term income tax relief by dropping the income tax rate to 3.9 percent by 2018.
The legislation would come in addition to a short-term plan already approved by the House and now pending in the Senate, which would speed up an already planned income tax rate reduction from 4.35 percent to 4.25 percent late this year.
A new measure detailed Thursday would provide longer-term income tax relief by dropping the income tax rate to 3.9 percent by 2018.
The legislation would come in addition to a short-term plan already approved by the House and now pending in the Senate, which would speed up an already planned income tax rate reduction from 4.35 percent to 4.25 percent late this year.
Detroit councilman: Marijuana decriminalization a 'bad idea' that could hurt job seekers
Detroit councilman: Marijuana decriminalization a 'bad idea' that could hurt job seekers | MLive.com
"I think it's a bad idea," Cockrel said of an expected ballot proposal that would amend city code by allowing anyone over 21 years of age to possess less than an ounce of marijuana on private property.
"I think it's a bad idea," Cockrel said of an expected ballot proposal that would amend city code by allowing anyone over 21 years of age to possess less than an ounce of marijuana on private property.
UR ending free tuition to employees' children
UR ending free tuition to employees' children | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com
For the coming school year, tuition at UR will be $42,890, which is a 4.5 percent increase over the past school year.
For the coming school year, tuition at UR will be $42,890, which is a 4.5 percent increase over the past school year.
CBO: We’ll Be Maxed Out in Nine Years
PJ Media » CBO: We’ll Be Maxed Out in Nine Years
Shorter-term, the CBO report’s “Extended Alternative Fiscal Scenario” projects that the federal government will hit what many economists consider the danger-zone level of debt — namely the point at which debt held by the public (excluding intergovernmental holdings) reaches 90% of GDP — sometime during fiscal 2021, the same year as its 2011 projection.
That 90% threshold is what I characterized in a column last year as when the country will become “Maxed Out America,” reaching the point where the federal government will likely either have a hard time issuing additional debt, or will have to start paying higher than risk-free rates to do so, starting a vicious cycle which will be hard to stop once started.
Shorter-term, the CBO report’s “Extended Alternative Fiscal Scenario” projects that the federal government will hit what many economists consider the danger-zone level of debt — namely the point at which debt held by the public (excluding intergovernmental holdings) reaches 90% of GDP — sometime during fiscal 2021, the same year as its 2011 projection.
That 90% threshold is what I characterized in a column last year as when the country will become “Maxed Out America,” reaching the point where the federal government will likely either have a hard time issuing additional debt, or will have to start paying higher than risk-free rates to do so, starting a vicious cycle which will be hard to stop once started.
Love Muskegon flags, chalk art festival win $500 grants, coming to Muskegon
Love Muskegon flags, chalk art festival win $500 grants, coming to Muskegon | MLive.com
Love Muskegon Week wound up with a competition for two $500 grants from the Community Foundation for Muskegon County for any ideas that would make Muskegon a better and more interesting place.
Love Muskegon Week wound up with a competition for two $500 grants from the Community Foundation for Muskegon County for any ideas that would make Muskegon a better and more interesting place.
'A' score for 7 West Michigan hospitals
'A' score for 7 West Michigan hospitals | WOOD TV8
Seven West Michigan hospitals have been honored with a Hospital Safety Score of "A" by The Leapfrog Group -- an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits.
Seven West Michigan hospitals have been honored with a Hospital Safety Score of "A" by The Leapfrog Group -- an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits.
US Attorney General Eric Holder completely unaware that federal courthouses require visitors to show government-issued photo IDs
Weasel Zippers » Blog Archive » US Attorney General Eric Holder completely unaware that federal courthouses require visitors to show government-issued photo IDs
“Some federal courts — are you aware that’s required in some federal courts in this land?” Lungren said.
“I don’t know,” Holder replied.
“Some federal courts — are you aware that’s required in some federal courts in this land?” Lungren said.
“I don’t know,” Holder replied.
Friday, June 08, 2012
What honor looks like: The flash mob at Gate 38 of Reagan National Airport
What honor looks like: The flash mob at Gate 38 of Reagan National Airport | MullerOver.com
The first soldier walked through the door.
Old, frail and needing help walking.
And every person I could see in the entire airport stood and applauded.
No – maybe cheered is more like it.
Click to read the rest and see this wonderful video of an amazing event!
Grab a hankie.
The first soldier walked through the door.
Old, frail and needing help walking.
And every person I could see in the entire airport stood and applauded.
No – maybe cheered is more like it.
Click to read the rest and see this wonderful video of an amazing event!
Grab a hankie.
You’re Not Special
You’re Not Special - BostonHerald.com
But do not get the idea you’re anything special.
Because you’re not.
But do not get the idea you’re anything special.
Because you’re not.
Schilling's co. files for bankruptcy; feds probing
My Way News - Schilling's co. files for bankruptcy; feds probing
Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling's troubled video gaming company, lured to Rhode Island with a $75 million state loan guarantee two years ago, filed for bankruptcy protection on Thursday, and federal authorities have begun an investigation into it.
Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling's troubled video gaming company, lured to Rhode Island with a $75 million state loan guarantee two years ago, filed for bankruptcy protection on Thursday, and federal authorities have begun an investigation into it.
Muskegon man charged with felony for allegedly sexually assaulting two dogs
Muskegon man charged with felony for allegedly sexually assaulting two dogs | MLive.com
However, Peterson is a fourth-time habitual offender, so he could potentially get life in prison if convicted.
However, Peterson is a fourth-time habitual offender, so he could potentially get life in prison if convicted.
Thursday, June 07, 2012
What the Media Choose Not to Know about Trayvon
Articles: What the Media Choose Not to Know about Trayvon
6:22
Trayvon, with his hoodie up, grabs two items from the shelves of 7-11.
One is the Skittles.
The other is Arizona Watermelon Fruit Juice Cocktail.
The media avoid the name of the real drink -- possibly because of the racial implications of the word "watermelon," but possibly to avoid probing the real reason for Trayon's trip.
Trayvon, in fact, had become a devotee of the druggy concoction known as "Lean," also known in southern hip-hop culture as "Sizzurp" and "Purple Drank."
Lean consists of three basic ingredients -- codeine, a soft drink, and candy.
If his Facebook postings are to be believed, Trayvon had been using Lean since at least June 2011.
6:22
Trayvon, with his hoodie up, grabs two items from the shelves of 7-11.
One is the Skittles.
The other is Arizona Watermelon Fruit Juice Cocktail.
The media avoid the name of the real drink -- possibly because of the racial implications of the word "watermelon," but possibly to avoid probing the real reason for Trayon's trip.
Trayvon, in fact, had become a devotee of the druggy concoction known as "Lean," also known in southern hip-hop culture as "Sizzurp" and "Purple Drank."
Lean consists of three basic ingredients -- codeine, a soft drink, and candy.
If his Facebook postings are to be believed, Trayvon had been using Lean since at least June 2011.
Media Cite False Spending Differential To Explain Walker Win
Media Cite False Spending Differential To Explain Walker Win
Not so fast.
As it turns out, labor unions spent an additional $21 million on the recall election.
When it came to state senate recall elections back in September 2011, Democrats outspent Republicans $23.4 million to $20.5 million.
Not so fast.
As it turns out, labor unions spent an additional $21 million on the recall election.
When it came to state senate recall elections back in September 2011, Democrats outspent Republicans $23.4 million to $20.5 million.
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